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Swedish Covenant Hospital
2012 Community Health Needs Assessment
In the spring of 2012, Swedish Covenant Hospital (SCH) embarked on a comprehensive Community
Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process to identify and address the key health issues for our
community.
Swedish Covenant Hospital is a comprehensive health care facility providing health and wellness services to
Chicago’s North and Northwest side communities. This 323-bed hospital is one of the few independent, nonprofit
hospitals in the area. Its 600 physicians and 2,200 employees remain focused on the hospital’s mission of providing
compassionate, high quality care in a healing environment. An established teaching hospital, Swedish Covenant
Hospital offers a range of medical programs, including the latest cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, surgical, women’s
health, back health and emergency services.
Swedish Covenant Hospital (SCH) maintains a department dedicated to addressing its outreach objectives of serving
the entire community, not only those who come through its doors. Building on a long tradition of service, the
Community Relations Department utilizes hospital strengths alongside those of other well-established community
partners. This strategy allows SCH to better understand and reach the most vulnerable sectors of the community,
while meeting pressing healthcare needs. The goal is to improve the community’s health status by empowering
citizens to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Definition of the Community Served [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1a, 2]
Swedish Covenant Hospital completed its last Community Health Needs Assessment in
2009.
CHNA Community Definition
SCH’s community, as defined for the purposes of the Community Health Needs
Assessment, included each of the residential ZIP Codes that comprise the hospital’s
Primary Service Area (PSA) and Secondary Service Area (SSA), including: 60613, 60618,
60625, 60626, 60630, 60640, 60641, 60645, 60646, 60659, 60660 and 60712. A
geographic description is illustrated in the following map.
This community definition was determined because the majority of SCH’s patients
originate from this area.
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Demographics of the Community [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1b]
The population of the hospital’s service area is estimated at 631,311 people. It is
predominantly non-Hispanic White (63.66%), but also has substantial Hispanic (28.75%)
and Asian (10.87%) populations.
As throughout the state and nation, our population is aging, with 10.94% currently age
65 and older. This is projected to increase in coming years, as is the need for services
to meet the health needs of this older population.
Median household income is below the state average at $48,386, and 12.37% of the
families in our population remain below the poverty level.
US Census QuickFacts
SCH
Service
Area (c)
Cook
County Illinois
Population, 2012 estimate 631,311 5,231,351 12,875,255
Population, 2010 626,806 5,194,675 12,830,632
Persons under 5 years, percent, 2011 6.7% 6.6% 6.4%
Persons under 18 years, percent, 2011 20.65% 23.5% 24.1%
Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2011 10.94% 12.1% 12.7%
Female persons, percent, 2011 49.87% 51.5% 50.9%
White persons, percent, 2011 (a) 63.66% 66.0% 78.0%
Black persons, percent, 2011 (a) 8.58% 25.0% 14.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2011 (a)
0.6% 0.8% 0.6%
Asian persons, percent, 2011 (a) 10.9% 6.5% 4.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander persons, percent, 2011 (a)
.05% 0.1% 0.1%
Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2011 3.63% 1.7% 1.7%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino Origin, percent, 2011 (b) 28.75% 24.4% 16.2%
White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2011 50.07% (d) 43.7% 63.3%
Living in same house 1 year & over, percent, 2007-2011 NA 86.3% 86.7%
Foreign born persons, percent, 2007-2011 NA 21.0% 13.7%
Language other than English spoken at home, percent age 5+, 2007-2011
47.4% 34.0% 22.0%
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2007-2011
83.9% 83.7% 86.6%
Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25+, 2007-2011
40.96% 33.7% 30.7%
Veterans, 2007-2011 NA 232,373 770,388
Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2007-2011
37.6 31.8 28.1
Housing units, 2011 289,827 (d) 2,175,941 5,297,318
Homeownership rate, 2007-2011 43.5% (d) 59.8% 68.7%
Housing units in multi-unit structures, percent, 2007-2011 77.4% (d) 53.9% 32.9%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2007-2011 $258,085 $256,900 $198,500
Households, 2007-2011 262,998 1,934,771 4,773,002
Persons per household, 2007-2011 2.35 2.64 2.62
Per capita money income in the past 12 months (2011 dollars), 2007-2011 NA $29,920 $29,376
Median household income, 2007-2011 $48,386 $54,598 $56,576
Persons below poverty level, percent, 2007-2011 12.37% 15.8% 13.1% (a) Includes persons reporting only one race.
(b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.
(c) SCH Service Area statistics are all based on 2013 estimates, except for row Population, 2010, which is based on 2010 Census Data.
(d) Based on 2013 Population Estimates provided by Nielsen.
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Existing Healthcare Facilities & Resources [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1c]
Swedish Covenant Hospital recognizes that there are many existing healthcare facilities
and resources within the community that are available to respond to the health needs
of residents. These organizations include the following:
Acute-Care Hospitals/Emergency Rooms
North Shore University Health Systems
St. Francis Hospital
Illinois Masonic Hospital
Our Lady of Resurrection Health Care
Lutheran General Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital
Lurie Children’s Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Thorek Memorial Hospital
Weiss Memorial Hospital
Federally Qualified Health Centers & Other Safety Net Providers
Erie Family Health Centers (FQHC)
Heartland Health Centers (FQHC)
Asian Human Services (FQHC)
Access Health Services (FQHC)
Nursing Homes/Adult Care
Covenant Home
Bradley Place
The Hartwell
Harmony Health Care & Rehabilitation
Ambassador Nursing Home
Continental Nursing Home
Peterson Park Nursing Home
Lincolnwood Place
Alden Health Care & Senior Living
Mental Health Services/Facilities
Erie Family Health Centers(FQHC)
North River Mental Health Center
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
City of Chicago EMS Division
Lincolnwood Fire Department
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Home Healthcare
NorthShore University System Home Health Care
Presence/Resurrection Home Health Care
Home Health of Illinois
All About HHC
Apple
Med Life
Hospice Care
Rainbow Hospice
Horizon Hospice & Palliative Care
Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter
School Health Services
Heartland Health Centers (Roosevelt High School and Hibbard Elementary)
Erie Family Health Center (Amundsen High School)
Other Community-Based Resources
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4)
Albany Park Community Center
Korean American Community Services
Centro Romero
Polish Initiative of Chicago
World Relief Chicago
Cambodian Association
Hanul Family Alliance
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services
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How CHNA Data Were Obtained [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1d]
Collaboration [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 4]
The Community Health Needs Assessment was sponsored by the Swedish Covenant
Hospital Foundation, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council
(MCHC). The project also received input from several Community Health Needs
Assessment Focus Groups, which were comprised of representatives of the partnering
organizations as well as other citizens chosen for their relevant experience and
interests.
CHNA Goals & Objectives
This Community Health Needs Assessment, a follow-up to a similar study conducted in
2009, is a systematic, data-driven approach to determining the health status, behaviors
and needs of residents in the service area of Swedish Covenant Hospital. Subsequently,
this information will be used to inform decisions and guide efforts to improve
community health and wellness.
The Community Health Needs Assessment provides the information so that
communities may identify issues of greatest concern and decide to commit resources
to those areas, thereby making the greatest possible impact on community health
status. The 2012 PRC Community Health Needs Assessment serves as a tool toward
reaching three basic goals:
To improve residents’ health status, increase their life spans, and elevate
their overall quality of life. A healthy community is not only one where its
residents suffer little from physical and mental illness, but also one where its
residents enjoy a high quality of life.
To reduce the health disparities among residents. By gathering
demographic information along with health status and behavior data, it will be
possible to identify population segments that are most at-risk for various
diseases and injuries. Intervention plans targeting these individuals may then
be developed to combat some of the socio-economic factors which have
historically had a negative impact on residents’ health.
To increase the accessibility of preventive services for all community
residents. More accessible preventive services will prove beneficial in
accomplishing the first goal (improving health status, increasing life spans, and
elevating the quality of life), as well as lowering the costs associated with caring
for late-stage diseases resulting from a lack of preventive care.
This assessment was conducted by Professional Research Consultants, Inc. (PRC). PRC
is a nationally-recognized healthcare consulting firm with extensive experience
conducting Community Health Needs Assessments such as this in hundreds of
communities across the United States since 1994.
CHNA Methodology
This assessment incorporates data from both quantitative and qualitative sources.
Quantitative data input includes primary research (the PRC Community Health Survey)
and secondary research (vital statistics and other existing health-related data); these
quantitative components allow for comparison to benchmark data at the state and
national levels.
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Qualitative data input includes primary research gathered through a series of Key
Informant Focus Groups.
Community Health Survey
The survey instrument used for this study is based largely on the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), as
well as various other public health surveys and customized questions addressing gaps
in indicator data relative to health promotion and disease prevention objectives and
other recognized health issues. The final survey instrument was developed by PRC, with
input from SCH and the other community sponsors.
A precise and carefully executed methodology is critical in asserting the validity of the
results gathered in the PRC Community Health Survey. Thus, to ensure the best
representation of the population surveyed, a telephone interview methodology — one
that incorporates both landline and cell phone interviews — was employed. The
primary advantages of telephone interviewing are timeliness, efficiency and random-
selection capabilities.
The sample design used for this effort consisted of a random sample of 515 individuals
age 18 and older in the Swedish Covenant Hospital Service Area. Once the interviews
were completed, these were weighted in proportion to the actual population
distribution so as to appropriately represent the Swedish Covenant Hospital Service
Area as a whole. All administration of the surveys, data collection and data analysis was
conducted by Professional Research Consultants, Inc. (PRC). For statistical purposes, the
maximum rate of error associated with a sample size of 515 respondents is ±4.4% at
the 95 percent level of confidence.
The sample design and the quality control procedures used in the data collection
ensure that the sample is representative. Thus, the findings may be generalized to the
total population of community members in the defined area with a high degree of
confidence.
Public Health, Vital Statistics & Other Data
A variety of existing (secondary) data sources was consulted to complement the
research quality of this Community Health Needs Assessment. Data for the Swedish
Covenant Hospital Service Area were obtained from the following sources (specific
citations are included with the graphs throughout this report):
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois State Police
National Center for Health Statistics
US Census Bureau
US Department of Health and Human Services
US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Note that secondary data reflect city-level data (City of Chicago) where possible, and
county-level data (Cook County) where city data are unavailable.
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Community Stakeholder Input [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1h & 3]
As part of the Community Health Needs Assessment, seven focus groups were held
among key informants in the community on June 21-22 and July 11-12, 2012, each
focusing on needs within different geographies or among certain populations.
These key informant focus groups allowed for input from persons with special
knowledge of or expertise in public health, as well as others who represent the interests
of key cultural groups represented in communities served by Swedish Covenant
Hospital. In all, 50 key informants participated, including physicians, other health
professionals, social service providers, business leaders, minority organizations and
other community leaders.
Potential participants were chosen because of their ability to identify primary concerns
of the populations with whom they work, as well as of the community overall.
Participants included a representative of public health, as well as several individuals
who work with low-income, minority or other medically underserved populations, and
those who work with persons with chronic disease conditions. Specific names/titles of
those participating are available upon request.
Participant Type Date Geographic Focus
Community Leaders June 21, 2012 Cook County
Community Leaders June 22, 2012 North Chicago
Community Leaders July 11, 2012 SCH Service Area
Key Informants Serving Polish Population July 11, 2012 SCH Service Area
Key Informants Serving Hispanic Population July 11, 2012 SCH Service Area
Key Informants Serving Asian Indian Population July 12, 2012 SCH Service Area
Representatives of Swedish Covenant Hospital July 12, 2012 SCH Service Area
Information Gaps [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1i]
While this Community Health Needs Assessment is quite comprehensive, SCH and PRC
recognize that it cannot measure all possible aspects of health in the community, nor
can it adequately represent all possible populations of interest. It must be recognized
that these information gaps might in some ways limit the ability to assess all of the
community’s health needs.
For example, certain population groups — such as persons who are homeless,
institutionalized, or who only speak a language other than English or Spanish — are not
represented in the survey data. Other population groups — for example, pregnant
women, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender residents, undocumented residents, and
members of certain racial/ethnic or immigrant groups — might not be identifiable or
might not be represented in numbers sufficient for independent analyses.
In terms of content, this assessment was designed to provide a comprehensive and
broad picture of the health of the overall community. However, there are certainly a
great number of medical conditions that are not specifically addressed.
Vulnerable Populations [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1f]
The CHNA analysis and report yielded a wealth of information about the health status,
behaviors and needs for our population. A distinct advantage of the primary
quantitative (survey) research is the ability to segment findings by geographic,
demographic and health characteristics to identify the primary and chronic disease
needs and other health issues of vulnerable populations, such as uninsured persons,
low-income persons, and racial/ethnic minority groups.
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For additional statistics about uninsured, low-income, and minority health needs please
refer to the complete PRC Community Health Needs Assessment report, which can be
viewed online at http://swedishcovenant.healthforecast.net.
Public Dissemination [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 5-5c]
This Community Health Needs Assessment is available to the public using the following
URL: http://swedishcovenant.healthforecast.net. HealthForecast.net™ is an interactive,
dynamic tool designed to share CHNA data with
community partners and the public at large.
This site:
Informs readers that the CHNA Report is available and provides instructions for
downloading it;
Offers the CHNA Report document in a format that, when accessed,
downloaded, viewed, and printed in hard copy, exactly reproduces the image of
the report;
Grants access to download, view, and print the document without special
computer hardware or software required for that format (other than software
that is readily available to members of the public without payment of any fee)
and without payment of a fee to the hospital organization or facility or to
another entity maintaining the website.
Links to this dedicated HealthForecast.net™ site are also made available at SCH’s
hospital website at: www.SwedishCovenant.org.
SCH will provide any individual requesting a copy of the written report with the direct
website address, or URL, where the document can be accessed. SCH will also maintain
at its facilities a hardcopy of the CHNA report that may be viewed by any who request
it.
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Health Needs of the Community [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1e]
Areas of Opportunity for Community Health Improvement
The following “health priorities” (listed in alphabetical order) represent recommended
areas of intervention, based on the information gathered through this Community
Health Needs Assessment and the guidelines set forth in Healthy People 2020. From
these data, opportunities for health improvement exist in the region with regard to the
following health areas (see also the complete Community Health Needs Assessment for
additional health indicators).
Prioritization Process [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 1g, 6g]
After reviewing the Community Health Needs Assessment findings, the CHNA Steering
Committee Chairpersons met with Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Executive Council on
Monday, January 7, 2013 and Monday, April 15, 2013, to determine the health needs to
be prioritized for action in FY2014-FY1016.
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The group assessed key local data findings (Areas of Opportunity) and ranked identified
health issues against the following criteria:
Magnitude. The number of persons affected, also taking into account variance
from benchmark data and Healthy People targets.
Impact/Seriousness. The degree to which the issue affects or exacerbates
other quality of life and health-related issues.
Feasibility. The ability to reasonably impact the issue, given available
resources.
Consequences of Inaction. The risk of not addressing the problem at the
earliest opportunity.
Prioritization Results
Based on the hospital’s areas of expertise and partnerships with local community
organizations, the Areas of Opportunity were prioritized as follows:
1. Access to Health Services
2. Heart Disease & Stroke
3. Nutrition, Physical Activity & Weight
4. Mental Health & Mental Disorders
5. Cancer
6. Maternal, Infant & Child Health
7. Respiratory Diseases
8. Injury & Violence Prevention
9. Chronic Kidney Disease
10. Family Planning
11. Infectious Diseases
12. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
13. Substance Abuse
14. HIV
Community-Wide
Community Benefit Planning [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 6c-6d]
As individual organizations begin to parse out the information from the 2012
Community Health Needs Assessment, it is Swedish Covenant Hospital’s hope and
intention that this will foster greater desire to embark on a community-wide
community health improvement planning process. SCH has expressed this intention to
partnering organizations and is committed to being a productive member in this
process as it evolves.
As part of our commitment to collaboration with local community organizations, SCH
engaged one class from North Park University’s Masters of Nursing program to analyze
results from the Community Health Needs Assessment and recommend best practices,
local opportunities and local potential partnerships to enhance and improve the
outcomes of the top identified health needs. These students interviewed local
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organizations, prepared projects and presented to their fellow classmates ideas
including the Centering Pregnancy model (embraced by Erie Family Health), enhanced
breast health outreach in the Polish community, outreach through faith communities,
and others. SCH will continue to explore some of these suggestions and potential
partnerships for improvements in population-based health initiatives.
Additionally, members from the focus groups, along with other local civic and ethnic
leaders, were invited to engage in ongoing conversation as part of a newly formed
Community Health Advisory Group. This group has met frequently over the past
months to discuss health care reform, funding opportunities and ways in which to
educate and inform our local communities (as part of the Access to Care priority). In the
coming months, this group will continue to engage in dialogue surrounding other area
health needs. Swedish Covenant Hospital has served as a leader during these
conversations and has also helped to identify and strengthen collaborations among
other participating organizations.
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Swedish Covenant Hospital
FY2014-FY1016 Implementation Strategy
For more than 125 years, Swedish Covenant Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to
meeting the health needs of Chicago’s north and northwest communities.
This summary outlines Swedish Covenant Hospital’s plan (Implementation Strategy) to address our community’s
health needs by 1) sustaining efforts operating within a targeted health priority area; 2) developing new programs
and initiatives to address identified health needs; and 3) promoting an understanding of these health needs among
other community organizations and within the public itself.
Hospital-Level Community Benefit Planning
Priority Health Issues To Be Addressed
In consideration of the top health priorities identified through the CHNA process —
and taking into account hospital resources and overall alignment with the hospital’s
mission, goals and strategic priorities — it was determined that Swedish Covenant
Hospital would focus on developing and/or supporting strategies and initiatives to
improve:
Access to Health Services
Heart Disease & Stroke
Nutrition, Physical Activity & Weight
Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Cancer
Maternal, Infant & Child Health
Respiratory Diseases
Integration With
Operational Planning [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 6e]
The FY2014 Strategic Operating Plan addresses many of the major prioritizations of the
Community Benefits plan through Primary Care expansion, a Women’s Health Center,
and a Cardio-Pulmonary Center which will support addressing the above priorities.
Priority Health Issues That
Will Not Be Addressed & Why [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 7]
In acknowledging the wide range of priority health issues that emerged from the CHNA
process, Swedish Covenant Hospital determined that it could only effectively focus on
those which it deemed most pressing, most under-addressed, and most within its ability
to influence.
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Health Priorities
Not Chosen for Action Reason
Injury & Violence
Prevention
SCH has limited resources available to address injury and violence
prevention. Other community organizations have infrastructure and
programs in place to better meet this need; however, it should be
noted that the SCH Emergency Department Chairman does
participate in the Attorney General/Community Justice Center’s gun
violence prevention outreach initiatives. Limited resources excluded
this as an area chosen for action.
Chronic Kidney Disease SCH regularly partners with organizations including the National
Kidney Foundation to provide free screenings to the ethnicities most
vulnerable to this disease. SCH feels that efforts outlined herein to
improve access to health services will also have a positive impact on
chronic kidney disease and that a separate set of specific initiatives
was not necessary.
Family Planning Advisory committee members believe that the new partnership with
Erie Family Health will not only enhance access to care but will also
positively impact outreach regarding family planning education, as
many uninsured individuals will be directed to Erie to establish a
medical home. Erie and other community organizations have
infrastructure and programs in place to better meet this need, and
as a result this was excluded as an area chosen for action.
Infectious Diseases Advisory committee members felt that more pressing health needs
existed. Limited resources and lower priority excluded this as an
area chosen for action.
Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
SCH believes that this priority area falls more within the purview of
the county health department and other community organizations.
Limited resources and lower priority excluded this as an area chosen
for action.
Substance Abuse SCH has limited resources, services and expertise available to
address alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues. Other community
organizations have infrastructure and programs in place to better
meet this need. However, the hospital is exploring the feasibility of
initiating an in-house smoking cessation program, which is
mentioned later in this document. Limited resources excluded this
as an area chosen for action.
HIV SCH believes that this priority area falls more within the purview of
the county health department and other community organizations.
Limited resources and lower priority excluded this as an area chosen
for action.
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Implementation Strategies & Action Plans [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 6f-6h]
The following displays outline SCH’s plans to address those priority health issues chosen for action in the FY2014-
FY1016 period.
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ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES
Community Partners
Erie Family Health Center
Swedish Covenant Medical Group
Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Community Health Advisory Group and Elected Officials
Land of Lincoln Health
Goal
To improve healthcare access services by partnering with a Federally Qualified Health
Center on the Swedish Covenant Hospital Campus. Also, to increase enrollment in health
insurance by partnering with local ethnic and business organizations and raising
awareness about the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.
Outcome Measures
Number of uninsured Emergency Department patients who are subsequently transitioned to
Erie to establish a medical home and apply for Medicaid or other insurance if eligible. Number
of local community members who enroll through IL Health Insurance Marketplace and Land of
Lincoln Health to acquire health insurance (or enroll in Medicaid if eligible).
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope This strategy will focus on uninsured residents within the SCH service area.
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Identify improper utilization of the SCH Emergency Department and direct
patients to Erie for care.
Partner with Erie navigators to enroll qualified individuals in Medicaid and establish
medical home with Erie Foster Avenue Health Center.
Partner with Erie to refer Erie patients to SCMG specialists when focused, expert care is
needed.
Strategy #2: Partner with area navigators to identify and enroll eligible individuals into
Medicaid or into insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Conduct 5-10 information sessions at the hospital and in the community at civic and ethic
organizations to educate the local community about new and expanded health care
coverage options.
Assist Land of Lincoln Health in educating and enrolling local uninsured individuals and
families into health insurance packages and establishing a medical home with Swedish
Covenant Hospital.
Strategy #3: Provide transitional care coordination through Care Transitions Program.
Via the hospital’s Care Transitions Program, call recently discharged patients to assess
educational and social support needs.
Patients identified at risk for readmission will receive a home visit by a Wellness Coach
(WC). The WC performs medication reconciliation, education and assistance in scheduling
physician appointments and needed transportation.
Continue to seek grants to help support the cost of this program (currently supported by
grants from George A. Ackermann Memorial Fund and the VNA Foundation; however, the
hospital still covers approximately $60,000 annually to support the Care Program).
Strategy #4: Expand culturally sensitive care administered by the Swedish Covenant
Medical Group.
Employ physicians who speak specific languages to better meet the needs of our diverse
community. (Dr. Concepcion, Spanish-speaking cardiology; Dr. Kmiecik, Polish-speaking
PCP; Dr. Nguyen, Vietnamese-speaking PCP; Dr. Hassan, Arabic speaking OB; Dr. Chama
Matar, Arabic-speaking, female FM; Dr. Hanna Konarzewska, Polish speaking
Electrophysiology and Women’s Heart Disease).
Strategy #5: Implement Health Information Exchange and Portals for Swedish Covenant
Hospital.
Improve patient care by making the patient record more available to providers of care.
Reduce cost due to repeat testing and availability/accessibility of results.
Patient portal will allow patients to be more informed and involved in their care. They will
see results and be able to review discharge instructions, request appointments, refills and
communicate with their doctors.
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Financial Commitment
$TBD ($60,000 (Care Transitions) + Erie partnership annual costs + $15,387 Health Information
Exchange implementation first year + $35,000 annual subscription HIE (discounted to $23,507
first year) + $21,372 (annual HIE management fee)
Anticipated Outcomes
Decrease in number of uninsured patients utilizing hospital services (due to marketplace
or Erie medical home).
Strengthened partnership between Erie and Swedish Covenant Hospital – better outcomes
for patients and access to specialist referrals.
Decrease in number of readmissions due to Care Transitions support.
Better patient outcomes and enhanced transparency among providers through clinical
integration.
Results Pending
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HEART DISEASE & STROKE
Community Partners Ackermann Foundation
VNA Foundation
Goal
To provide a safe transition from hospital to home. Also, to educate the community about heart
disease and stroke risk factors by providing community education and blood pressure screening
events featuring SCH physicians and nurses.
Outcome Measures Reduce 30-day readmission rates for Heart Failure and Heart Attack.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope This strategy will focus on patients at-risk for readmission (regardless of insurance status) as
well as general community members within the SCH service area.
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Discharge Navigators play a leading role for patient follow up and support.
Discharge Navigators (DN) call cardiac patients discharged from the hospital within 24-48
hours to answer questions/concerns post hospitalization.
The DN arrange for additional support as necessary (home health, transportation,
Wellness Coaching or telemonitoring).
Strategy #2: Wellness Coach and telemonitoring helps patients at risk for re-admission.
Home visit by SCH Wellness Coach to review prescribed medications and provide disease
specific education.
90-day home telemonitoring for patients at risk for readmission.
Strategy #3: Educate community about risk factors and warning signs of heart disease
and stroke.
Collaborate with Stroke Education Coordinator to provide blood pressure screenings in
community and education related to warning signs/risk factors for heart disease and
stroke.
Collaborate with physicians to provide education to community groups.
Financial Commitment Grant funding is $130,000 per year with SCH funding approximately $60,000 annually
Anticipated Outcomes
Reduce 30-day readmission rate.
Improve the percent of patients with a physician appointment within 7-14 days post
discharge.
Increase heart failure self-care knowledge.
Increase community awareness about risk for heart disease and stroke.
Results Pending
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NUTRITION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WEIGHT
Community Partners
Whole Foods Market Sauganash
Purple Asparagus
Mariano’s Fresh Market
Budlong Elementary School
Peterson Garden Project
Goal
To educate the community and local families about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. Also,
to participate in a community garden project to increase awareness about edible gardening and
healthy lifestyle habits.
Outcome Measures Number of people educated regarding healthy eating, fitness and nutrition.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope SCH service area
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Provide community education regarding healthy eating and fitness.
Offer a minimum of 25 programs annually focused on healthy eating, cooking, diabetes
prevention or fitness – in partnership with various local grocers and organizations.
Highlight specific cultural groups to present focused nutrition information, including
nutrition tips for the Indo American Center and Centro Romero.
Support community events related to fitness and nutrition, including the WTTW Kids Fun
and Run.
Strategy #2: Provide year-long healthy eating and lifestyle curriculum to select students
at Budlong Elementary School.
Partner with Purple Asparagus to deliver healthy eating curriculum “Delicious Nutritious
Adventures” to one grade level of students per year (consisting of one 45 min program
per month).
Partner with Budlong to provide enhancements to 7th
grade science and wellness
curriculums through guest speakers and tours of SCH and GLC.
Strategy #3: Provide 1-1 diabetes support and community education through the SCH
Diabetes Community Center.
Provide community educational sessions regarding diabetes prevention, management and
support.
Provide education through group classes as well as individual sessions to type 1, type 2,
and gestational diabetics.
Strategy #4: Explore grant funding opportunities related to nutrition and healthy lifestyle
habits.
Work with SCH Foundation to identify grants and mini-grants which support nutrition
initiatives, focusing on women, children or specific cultural groups within the community.
Financial Commitment $ 15,000
Anticipated Outcomes
Provide healthy eating curriculum to more than 250 students.
Lower A1C levels in 75% of patients visiting Diabetes Community Center.
Provide outreach and support regarding healthy eating, nutrition and fitness to more than
5,000 local community members annually.
Results Pending
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MENTAL HEALTH & MENTAL DISORDERS
Community Partners
North River Expanded Mental Health Services Program and Governing Commission
Local elected officials
Erie Family Health
Lutheran Social Services (Project IMPACT)
Goal
To expand and extend mental health services to mentally ill residents who need the assistance
of their communities in overcoming or coping with mental or emotional disorders, with a
special focus on early intervention and prevention of such disorders.
Outcome Measures
Reduction of improper usage of our Emergency Department for individuals with mental illness
who are best suited for care in an outpatient setting. Reduction in ED recidivism for individuals
with mental illness. Increase of funding for local mental health providers and social service
agencies to provide care for mentally ill community members.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope SCH service area
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Serve on the North River Expanded Mental Health Services Program
Governing Commission.
Mary Shehan, Chief Nursing Officer, was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve as
one of nine appointed commissioners overseeing the program.
Strategy #2: Decrease improper usage of the Emergency Department for mentally ill
cases.
To increase the number of mentally ill individuals being well cared for in a community
setting, ultimately decreasing improper use of Emergency Department services. If and
when individuals do seek care, additional resources in the community will assist SCH in
providing community referrals for outpatient care.
To maintain and enhance partnership with Lutheran Social Services Project IMPACT and
the care they provide through the hospital’s ED.
Strategy #3: Dialogue with area legislators regarding the desperate need for mental
health services and funds allocation.
Meet with area legislators about lack of outpatient mental health services on Chicago’s
north side.
Financial Commitment $5,000 in kind donation of time
Anticipated Outcomes
Expansion of outpatient mental health services for uninsured and Medicaid patients.
Reduction in number of individuals with mental illness who present to the ED for non-
medical concerns.
Reduction in ED recidivism for individuals with mental illness.
Results Pending
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CANCER
Community Partners
Rush University Medical Center
CyberKnife Cancer Institute of Chicago
American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen Foundation
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Goal
To increase the community’s access to additional research studies and advanced surgical
procedures by Rush surgeons; to increase the community’s access to pain-free, noninvasive
treatments for complex tumors while sparing healthy tissue; to provide breast cancer screening,
diagnosis and navigation to uninsured and underinsured women in our community through the
Susan G. Komen Foundation and other breast health grants; to provide additional cancer
screenings throughout the SCH service area, including ethnic organizations such as the Polish
National Alliance.
Outcome Measures
Number of uninsured and low-income women navigated through breast care continuum.
Number of uninsured and low-income women who receive breast cancer screening. Number of
patients who gain access to Rush specialists or clinical trials. Number of patients who benefit
from noninvasive CyberKnife treatment.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope SCH service area
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Increase local community’s access to cancer screening, treatment and care,
regardless of income level or insurance status.
Continue affiliation with Rush ($29K) to increase local community’s access to specialized
treatment and care.
Employment of 5 oncologists through the Swedish Covenant Medical Group allows SCH to
ensure a continuum of care and quality treatment for patients, regardless of insurance
status.
Provide pain-free, noninvasive treatment for complex tumors to all medically qualified
individuals regardless of their insurance status through the CyberKnife Cancer Institute of
Chicago (CCIC), the only CyberKnife facility in Chicago.
Advocate for approval of CyberKnife to treat prostate cancer patients in Illinois (Dr. Adam
Dickler, Medical Director of CCIC serves as a leader, meeting with the Medical Director of
Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL to share 5 year data statistics and other supporting evidence –
treatment is already approved in other states).
Apply for grant funding related to patient care enhancements, including application to
federally-funded PCORI study (Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute) – focused
on patient outcome improvements through non-reimbursed care including nutrition
education, physical therapy, alternative medicine, massage and health psychology
integration. These treatments are provided concurrently with traditional therapies such as
chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. If awarded SCH will cover approximately $55,000 in
in-kind staff time.
Strategy #2: Serve the uninsured and underinsured in our local service area by providing
free and reduced cost mammograms and breast cancer treatment through charity care as
well as grant opportunities.
Partner with National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide screening mammograms to at
least 300 women annually.
Partner with Susan G. Komen Foundation to provide biopsies and funding toward nurse
navigation.
Continue to research, identify and submit applications to further enhance our care and
outreach within the local community.
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Strategy #3: Provide cancer screenings and cancer prevention educational seminars and
smoking cessation initiatives throughout the community.
Provide 3-5 annual cancer screenings including: prostate, skin and cervical.
Provide at least 15 programs annually related to cancer prevention, healthy nutrition
habits, fitness and other healthy lifestyle recommendations.
Explore feasibility of in-house interdisciplinary smoking cessation program.
Financial Commitment $ 61,000 (29,000 (Rush annual fee) + $32,000 (annual navigator approximation for uninsured
care delivery) Note: + $55,000 if funded by PCORI grant
Anticipated Outcomes Increase access to Rush clinical trials, with special focus on low volume cases.
Broader expert panel for case review with Virtual Rush/SCH tumor boards.
Results Pending
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MATERNAL, INFANT & CHILD HEALTH
Community Partners
Baby-Friendly USA
CLOCC
CEDA-WIC
Chicago Coalition for Breastfeeding
Erie Family Health
March of Dimes/VHA
Goal
To become accredited as one of the first Baby-Friendly hospitals in Chicago. To partner with
Erie and CEDA-WIC to explore the creation of an outpatient lactation clinic, potentially housed
within Erie Foster Avenue Medical Center.
Outcome Measures
Improve the breastfeeding rates of women delivering at the hospital and rates of breastfeeding
throughout the first year of life. Decrease rate of elective inductions prior to 39 weeks
gestational age.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope SCH service area, with special focus on the local uninsured and Medicaid population
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: Become accredited as a Baby-Friendly hospital and explore creation of an
outpatient breastfeeding clinic.
Complete dissemination phase, including educational requirements for staff and
physicians.
Educate community about our commitment as a Baby Friendly hospital and the benefits.
Apply for funding to support creation of an outpatient breastfeeding clinic on the campus
of Swedish Covenant Hospital.
Strategy #2: Enhance partnership with March of Dimes and VHA on 39 week initiative.
Partner with local ethnic groups to educate regarding the importance of minimizing non-
elective induced births at less than 39 weeks gestation.
Continue to educate physicians and the community regarding the importance of baby
development during final weeks of pregnancy to minimize early elective births.
Strategy #3: Consider applying for Level II NICU status.
Evaluate the benefit for patients if SCH achieved Level II NICU status.
Reduce transfers to other hospitals if NICU status changed.
Financial Commitment
$ 21,235 ($17,235 Baby Friendly Staff Educational Costs Year One + $1,000 Baby Friendly
Development Phase +$3,000 Baby Friendly Dissemination Phase + TBD NICU Level II
Exploration costs)
Anticipated Outcomes Swedish Covenant Hospital will be designated as a Baby Friendly Hospital.
Swedish Covenant Hospital will partner on an outpatient breastfeeding clinic.
Results Pending
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RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Community Partners Local chambers of commerce
Local ethnic organizations
Goal
To promote the importance of annual flu shots and provide SCH pharmacists as a resource for
businesses and ethnic groups to offer group flu shot events throughout the community at a
discounted cost. Also, to increase offerings for respiratory screenings and treatments within the
new cardiology center.
Outcome Measures
Improve the identification of patients that are eligible and would benefit from Pulmonary
Rehabilitation. Rehab is presently offered in the Galter Life Center and is one of the only
Pulmonary Rehab programs in the Chicagoland area certified for many years through the
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Timeframe FY2014-FY1016
Scope SCH service area
Strategies & Objectives
Strategy #1: To enhance pulmonary services, as part of the GMP 4 Renovation (Women’s
Health Center and Cardiology suites) and work towards certification as a Pulmonary
Center of Excellence.
Expand our existing ability to provide Pulmonary Function Testing.
Add new services including Pulmonary Stress Testing using a metabolic cart.
Utilize a body box, which will enable physicians to detect certain pulmonary conditions
that conventional pulmonary function testing cannot.
Strategy #2: To develop and enhance the Pulmonary Fellowship program at SCH.
Provide fellows with a more thorough experience and education due to enhanced
diagnostic tools (pulmonary function testing, body box) and respiratory screenings.
Strategy #3: To educate local businesses about importance of annual flu shots.
Increase awareness through online and print channels about the importance of annual flu
shots.
Promote availability of SCH pharmacists to provide flu shots for area business employees
at a discounted price.
Financial Commitment $ 100,000 (expansion of services and new testing offerings in Women’s Health Center and
Cardiology)
Anticipated Outcomes Identify additional eligible patients who would benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Provide flu shots to interested local business owners and general community members.
Results Pending
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Adoption of Implementation Strategy [IRS Form 990, Schedule H, Part V, Section B, 6a-6b]
On September 18, 2013, the Board of Swedish Covenant Hospital, which includes
representatives from throughout Chicagoland, met to discuss this plan for addressing the
community health priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.
Upon review, the Board approved this Implementation Strategy and the related budget items to
undertake these measures to meet the health needs of the community.
SCH Board Approval & Adoption:
Lawrence P. Anderson, Asst. Secretary
By Name & Title
9-18-13
Date